We had a lot of great family time over the break this year. It was very relaxed and we took each day as it came. Gary and I both felt like we just got to focus on being a family. Grant was excited this year for Christmas. He knew it was approaching and enjoyed all the extra activities and traditions we were able to do.

The Friday before Christmas we went to meet Santa. We've never had a picture taken with Santa before (except with our church Santa). I've never wanted to wait in the long lines and I'm just not a big "Santa" person anyway. I know... what's wrong with me? But Grant loved it this year. He asked Santa for a "long, blue train" and was glad when he delivered! Grayson (not to our surprise) was scared and I didn't want to force him to sit on Santa's lap just so I could get a picture of him screaming.

Christmas Eve we decided to make some reindeer pancakes. Both boys helped mix the dough and put together our creations! They loved this little twist to breakfast and I think I'd like to do this every year. Thanks to my new friend, Pinterest, I found pictures of reindeer, santa and snowman pancakes. So we might try a different design next year!

Grayson loves sweets so the nose was the first thing to go, but he also LOVES bacon. Drives Gary and I crazy though... he gobbles up the bacon and then leaves it in his mouth for the next hour or so when we eventually make him spit it out. I guess he just loves that bacon flavor... I hope he doesn't chew tobacco when he gets older. Ewwww.

Our final product! Bring on the reindeer!

That evening, we went to ride the Christmas Train. A local church puts it together every year and the boys loved it! We loved how they weaved the story of Christmas into each display. They even have live music, hot chocolate, pizza and tons of opportunities for photos.

We're ready to board the train!

Christmas morning we woke up to our sweet little tree. I loved having the Christmas tree up this year and was sad when we took it down. It just added so much fun to our living room! The boys loved looking at the lights and the ornaments and I loved that it filled that space against the wall that I never know what to do with!
Santa's gifts were hiding behind the couch because we knew if the boys saw those first it would be hard to amke them concentrate on anything else! Each boy had a few gifts under the tree that I think they really enjoyed, but the real gifts were waiting to be used...

He LOVED it and was riding like a pro in no time!!!

Grayson loved his too, but his little legs are still just a bit short. We pushed him around the driveway and listened to him laugh. After a short bike ride, we packed our bags for Oma and Grandpa's and headed to church!